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Subotic Isn't Resting On Laurels

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By MATTHEW PARKE Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 28, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - With her undefeated regular season at No. 1, her Class 3A-District 5 title and her state championship appearance, River Ridge's Tijana Subotic showed that being a freshman did not mean she had to play like one.

In fact, The Tampa Tribune's Pasco County Girls Tennis Athlete of the Year has proven herself as the best tennis player in the Sunshine Athletic Conference, and could remain it for the rest of her high school career.

Subotic is not resting on her season's achievements. She is spending her summer vacation perfecting her game and becoming more athletic. Subotic said that without school, she will be on the courts more and getting ready for another run at the state title.

"I'm still playing tennis in Clearwater at McMullen Tennis Academy and going to the gym a lot now, trying to get stronger. You know, the same as it's always been, tournaments on the weekends," Subotic said.

Subotic said that along with lifting weights to increase power, she has taken up running to help with her endurance level. She runs every weekend with her father.

"I am just trying to have more energy so next season I can be even better. I want to keep a good pace going, throughout the whole match," Subotic said.

Some of Subotic's best memories of her debut season came from the car rides and overnight stay at the state tournament she had with her senior teammates, including her doubles partner Kristin Greenup.

"When we went to states. We were all in the hotel room and it was a lot of fun. It was something that I will never forget, in my freshman year spending so much time with the seniors. I learned so much from them," Subotic said.

Though she handled the pressure well, Subotic admitted that she had to begin trusting her game and not believe that she was in over her head.

"Something that I learned about myself is that I am more capable of doing more than what I think I am able to do. I doubt myself a lot. This season has raised my confidence. I am more comfortable now," Subotic said.

Now that Subotic is familiar with a full tennis season and the grueling match days of the postseason, she said that her expectations for herself and her team are high.

"At the beginning of the season, you're kind of scared, you don't know what to think of it. At least now I know what is going on. It's going to be much better," Subotic said.

When River Ridge's 2009 season opens, Subotic said it will be "like a family reunion." She is excited to pair up with her fellow freshman, No. 2 player Nicola Wellman.

"Playing with Nicola again, that's always fun. We get to be doubles partners next year, I hope," Subotic said.

Even with all of her time devoted to tennis, Subotic said that she wants to be "a regular teenager," with trips to the beach and the mall. She also plans of volunteering at the library or the YMCA.

GIRLS TENNIS FIRST TEAM
Tijana Subotic, River Ridge

Nicola Wellman, River Ridge

Kristin Greenup, River Ridge

Hannah Still, Wiregrass Ranch

Tamara Bustard, Ridgewood

Coaches of the Year: Doug Howery, River Ridge; Lou Giglio, River Ridge

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